Fast, Bernhard E. (1893-1957)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Mar 14 p. 10

Birth date: 1893 Apr 25

text of obituary:

Farmer Killed While Repairing Tractor

SERVICES HELD AT REEDLEY, CALIF. FOR BERNHARD FAST, 63

Dinuba, Calif. — Funeral services for Berhard [sic Bernhard] E. Fast, well-known rancher of the Dinuba district who was crushed under his tractor, took place march 6 at the First Mennonite Church of Reedley. Rev. Aaron Epp, the pastor, officiated.

Mr. Fast, who was 63, was under the tractor doing some repair work when an attachment apparently gave way and it fell on him. He was dead when his wife came to see why he had not come into the house.

A native of Hillsboro, Kan., he grew up at Medford, Okla. and came to California in 1923. He had been in poor health the past few years but continued active.

Surviving are his wife, the former Justina Janzen, one son, Elmer, three daughters and six grandchildren.

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Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1957 Mar 28 p. 8

text of obituary:

BERNHARD E. FAST

Bernhard E. Fast of Dinuba, Calif., the son of Bernhard D. and Anna Obermann Fast, was born in Hillsboro, Kansas on April 25, 1893. He departed this life at Dinuba on March 2, 1957, 2:30 p.m. to be forever with his blessed Lord and Saviour. He attained the age of 63 years.

As a young boy he moved with his parents to Medford, Okla. Here he was baptized upon his confession of faith in Jesus Christ as his Saviour and received into the membership of the Medford Mennonite church May 11,1913, by Rev. Henry Gaede.

On Nov. 20, 1919, he entered holy wedlock with Justina Janzen, Rev. John Lichti, officiating. this union was blessed with five children.

In 1923 they moved to California where he was a rancher during the entire period. He met death while working on the tractor in the shed. Just how it happened is difficult to explain and will remain a mystery.

When they moved to the Reedley area they joined the First Mennonite Church where he remained a faithful member. He had a deep and devoted respect for the church. He was in the church services regularly. The devotional services were kept regularly in the home. His favorite hymn was "The Old Rugged Cross." As a father he will be remembered for his love and tender care.

His health had not been good. His back was injured years ago, which hindered his endurance and ability to work. Nevertheless he worked hard and was a good father and husband. He was kind and tender. He never spoke harshly. As one of his neighbors said, "He listened more and talked less."

He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, Justina; four children, Estella, Mrs. Earl Franz of Reedley, Elmer J. at home, Bertha, Mrs. Eugene Marin of Dinuba, and Frances, Mrs. Gerald Smith, Dinuba; eight brothers and sisters, Henry, Albert and Mrs. Elsie Selman, all of Sacramento, Catherine of Selma, Anna, Mrs. Jacob Gaede of Clovis, Elizabeth, Mrs. William Neufeld of Medford, Okla., William of Dinuba, and Reuben of Orosi; one uncle, John Obermann, Blackwell, Okla.; six grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death were one son, Benny, and one sister, Mary (Mrs. Pete Reimer), who died one year ago.

Funeral services were held March 6, 1957, at the First Mennonite Church of Reedley. Rev. Aaron J. Epp, the pastor, officiated. Burial was made in the Reedley cemetery.

The Mennonite obituary: 1957 Mar 26 p. 206